The Opus Hotel is offering complementary iPhones in lieu of hardline phones in their rooms. Here's why that's a great idea.
A hotel in Vancouver’s so-called “trendy” Yaletown neighborhood has made the switch from hardline phones in every room to complementary iPhones that guests can make their own for the duration of their stay, USA Today reports.
The Opus Hotel in Vancouver isn’t shy in the way of technology, having already become the first Canadian hotel to put an iPad 2 in every room. The iPhone news will only return its name to headlines in the tech world. Here’s why all other hotels (well, those that can afford it) should take notes.
Remote Wipe and GPS Tracking
The USA Today report says each device is equipped with a wipe application to ensure no guests stumble upon personal – or any – information submitted on the device by its last user, discouraging identity thieves whose ears perked up at the opportunity to stay at a luxury hotel while on the hunt for PII.
Although the report makes no mention of GPS monitoring on the devices, enough apps exist to discourage anyone from packing up the complementary iPhone alongside the hand towels. Those behind the decision to make the switch would be foolish not to include tracking capabilities.
Roaming (or lack thereof)
Offering smartphones for hotel guests means that those traveling from across the border will not have to worry about international roaming fees. This is a big differentiator, especially considering how familiar many people are becoming with the iPhone and have begun using them while traveling for work. One better, the hotel foots the bill for all local calls, USA Today reports.
Internal apps
The report says the phones are pre-loaded with “one-touch contacts for each of the hotel’s departments.” It doesn’t clarify whether these are accomplished via apps, but wouldn’t that be the best way? With specialized apps, guests could order room service, request more towels, or browse hotel’s features interactively.
Marketing
By springing for smartphones, the Opus will already have guests talking about them. But by connecting them to the mobile web, they’re also enabling them to be heard by millions of potential new customers. Not only will guests be able to share the fact that they’re using a hotel-provided iPhone, they’re also being subtly invited to take photos of the hotel and share them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Until this kind of thing becomes common enough that people don’t feel the need to tell everyone about it, it’s kind of a win-win for the Opus and its guests.
Considering this USA Today reader poll suggests the traditional hotel room phone is all but dead, save for ordering occasional room service, the Opus may be breaking the mold with this model. It shouldn’t be long until the complementary smartphone becomes just another aspect of the hotel room.
(photo by Opus Vancouver hotel)
